Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs in Melbourne’s inner north

Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek today announced that over $1 million is being invested to upgrade 224 social housing dwellings in Melbourne’s inner north before the end of this financial year as part of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

One facility receiving funding is the 351 Barkly Street older person’s public housing high-rise estate in West Brunswick, visited today by Member for Wills, Kelvin Thomson and Victorian Member for Brunswick, Carlo Carli.

Under the funding, 351 Barkly Street is receiving foyer maintenance work to improve the security and amenity for the tenants at an estimated cost of $450,000.

The Rudd Government’s overall investment in social housing repairs and maintenance in the local area in 2008/09 is $1,047,845 to upgrade 224 dwellings.

Ms Plibersek said the Rudd Government is investing just under $50 million in 2008/09 right across Victoria on social housing repairs and maintenance as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. Further allocations will soon be announced for 2009/10.

“The Rudd Government’s $6.4 billion investment to build 20,000 social housing dwellings across Australia will stimulate the building and construction industry and has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Nearly 70 percent of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is infrastructure and these construction projects are now underway.

“When the stimulus package gets up to full steam in about 12 months, there will be around 35,000 individual construction projects around the country.

“It’s not just about jobs for builders and tradies but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over.”

Mr Wynne said the provision of adequate social housing was particularly important in the current global economic climate.

“This significant investment in repairs and maintenance will prolong the useable life of these units and improve amenity for tenants,” Mr Wynne said.

“These infrastructure projects show the Australian, state and territory and local governments working together in partnership.”

Mr Thomson said housing and construction is a major employer in the Australian economy.

“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to cushion the impact of the global financial crisis by supporting jobs in the construction sector,” Mr Thomson said.

“In addition, there is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”

Mr Carli said the provision of adequate social housing was particularly important in the current global economic climate.

“All governments are committed to ensuring we pull out all stops to meet these tight delivery deadlines,” Mr Carli said.